The job market for nurses is promising in the coming years, particularly in South Carolina which is projected to experience a 24% nursing staff shortage according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For those looking to capitalize on this shortage and pursue a fulfilling career in nursing, several certification options are listed below in order of increasing seniority, educational requirement, and compensation.
Nursing assistant
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide basic care for patients under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN). The first step towards becoming a CNA is completion of a 100-hour state-approved nurse aide training program that includes 40 hours of clinical training. Approximately 150 such training programs are available across the state of South Carolina. Certification and inclusion on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry requires passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination within two years of completion of the training program. The BLS estimates total employment of around 18,400 CNAs in South Carolina, with a median annual salary of $21,650.
South Carolina requires prospective LPNs to attend one of about 20 approved nursing programs within the state, which can be found at a variety of universities, vocational centers, and community colleges. Following at least one year of courses and hands-on practice, candidates must pass the NCLEX-PN national exam to gain licensure. Some of the schools with the best NCLEX-PN pass rates include Trident, York, and Greenville Technical Colleges. The BLS estimates total employment of around 9,340 LPNs in South Carolina, with a median annual salary of $33,170.
Registered nurse
With an average yearly salary of $58,220 and greater responsibilities and independence than CNAs and LPNs, the 41,950 employed RNs comprise well over half of South Carolina’s nursing workforce. South Carolina offers about 30 associate’s or bachelor’s degree prelicensure programs, one of which must be completed prior to taking the NCLEX-RN national licensure examination.
Below is a complete list of nursing schools in South Carolina that offer state-approved programs.